I’m an elderly roofer with over thirty years of experience who has repaired countless roofs. Over the years, I’ve witnessed resin roofing tiles gradually become more and more popular. Many people have asked me whether this new material is reliable and whether the installation process is difficult. Today, I’d like to share with you the experience I’ve accumulated over the years. Installing resin roofing tiles isn’t actually that complicated; the key lies in choosing the right contractor and paying close attention to every detail.
What Should You Keep in Mind When Installing Resin Roof Tiles?
Many homeowners believe, before installation, that these tiles aren’t much different from ordinary roof tiles; however, problems often arise shortly after installation is complete. Although resin roofing tiles are lightweight, the requirements for the substrate are quite strict. The spacing between wooden furring strips must be kept within 50 centimeters; otherwise, sagging and warping may occur over time. The levelness of a concrete substrate must also be checked, and any cracks must be repaired before installation begins.
Don’t just go for the cheapest option when selecting materials. There are some low-priced resin roof tiles on the market that start to fade after two or three years, and eventually become brittle and crack—they’re of poor quality and very substandard. Higher-quality materials, on the other hand, are guaranteed to last at least ten years. Although the unit price may be slightly higher—and it’s true that it is—when you do the math, it actually works out to be more cost-effective and, in the long run, saves you money. Before installation, it is essential to properly prepare and align areas such as the gutters and eaves. The design and planning must be reasonable and thorough, and the drainage slope must never be less than 5 percent.
When installing the roofing tiles, do not drive the nails too tightly. Since resin tiles are more susceptible to thermal expansion and contraction than ordinary tiles, it is essential to allow for some expansion space to prevent deformation. Approximately six to eight nails are required per square meter; they should be positioned at the peaks of the waves and must never be driven into the troughs.
Do it yourself or hire a professional team
Some people think it’s enough to just find any contractor they know, but the installation methods for resin roof tiles differ significantly from those for traditional glazed roof tiles. Professional installation crews know exactly how to handle seams, edge finishing, and other related details; if these areas aren’t properly addressed, leaks are bound to occur during rainy weather. While a typical roofer may have spent most of their life working with traditional tiles, they may not have a thorough understanding of the characteristics and properties of this new type of material.
If you’re fairly handy, you might consider doing a small outbuilding yourself; however, when it comes to the main house’s roof, it’s best to leave it to a professional team. There’s an old saying in our industry: “Materials account for only three parts, while workmanship accounts for seven.” Even the best roof tiles are useless if they’re not installed properly. Weather conditions on the day of installation are also crucial; work cannot proceed in high winds or rain.
After installation, be sure to check the work to make sure no nails have been missed and that the surface is not wavy or uneven. Once the resin roofing tiles are installed, their surface should be flat and smooth; any wrinkling or bulging indicates that the workmanship did not meet standards. During the final inspection, tap the surface lightly with a small hammer and listen for any hollow sounds to check for hollow spots.
Resin roofing tiles have certainly been all the rage in recent years, but they are, after all, a synthetic material and differ somewhat from traditional roof tiles. If you choose products from reputable manufacturers, hire an experienced installation crew, and pay close attention to the details of waterproofing, they should last for over a decade without any issues. If I had taken the easy way out during my home renovation back then, I’d probably already be facing the need for repairs by now.
Keywords: Resin Roof Tile Installation
